Benet Academy

As an academic scholar coming to this country where I met my wife and settled, foundation in education is priority in my list as a parent. Even choosing the city where to raise my family, I did my research as far as school's report cards. I have a son who is now a freshman and another who graduated 2 years ago at Benet. I'll be lying if I say I didn't have worries about the environment of rich kids for my sons, but it proved to be wrong. The friendly and warm environment in school both for students and parents, is one me and my wife can attest to. The students are academically challenged, yet they make almost every student involved. The faculty make sure that the students are getting ready for college life academically and socially. My son ended up going to one of the county's elite program in the field of his endeavor. I told my sons that they will not inherit any wealth from me when I'm gone that's why I'm giving it to them now... the best education that I can afford for them. Benet is an excellent environment both for children and parent. I highly recommend it.
--Submitted by a parent

Can't say enough great things about Benet Academy! Benet provides an excellent education and a wholesome environment with morally sound students!
--Submitted by a parent

We are a relatively new family to Benet and I'm pleased to say that the school lives up to very high standards. In regards to the opinion stated below about the cliques and wealthy families, I just don't see this type of arrogance at the school. Our family is not wealthy by any means and we make great sacrifices to send our child to school at Benet. While there are very wealthy families there, I believe this invites insecurity only if you let it. We have raised our children to believe that many different attributes define a person's character, personal wealth is not one of them. The school certainly reinforces these values. Perhaps this is why he finds the other children extremely friendly and sociable. I would encourage any family considering Benet to let their child shadow for one or two visits. My son was "sold" on the idea of Benet Academy as a result of the passion and instruction provided by the teachers. He remains equally enthusiastic to this day.
--Submitted by a parent

Benet is a very good school for academics, but has a real problem with cliques and wealthy families (and students) making others feel out of place. It lacks "heart" and compassion in my opinion. With so many other great options like Wheaton, Naperville, Lisle, Downers Grove and Glen Ellyn schools, Benet has more of a country club attitude and less that of an inclusive school.
--Submitted by a parent

I just graduated and I couldn't be more proud. To say that arrogence blooms here is a joke. It doesn't matter what school you get accepted to, it is about what you plan to accomplish. Our valedictorian could have easily gotten into harvard or yale but chose to go to notre dame instead. It is also unfair to blame the entire school for having bad attitudes because of the parents. To be honest, this is high school it is not about the parents. Benet is a great place with amazing teachers and a sense of community that is hard to find anywhere else.
--Submitted by a student

I am also a junior at Benet, and I have to say that I have enjoyed my experience thus far. Although most of my friends attended Naperville Central after middle school, I was able to quickly get involved and make many new friendships. I won't deny that there is a sense of arrogance at Benet, but it's not as bad as people make it out to be. Personally, I think that the stereotype of Benet students being rich brats, while true in some cases, is unfair. Most of us are hard-working, engaged students.
--Submitted by a student

I am a current Junior at Benet and I could not be happier. I will be honest and say that the elitism and arrogance mentioned by others is not prevalent in my Benet experience. I have some friends who are "haves," yet they are some of the most humble and hardworking people I know. I also have friends who are not as wealthy ("have-nots," if you wish) and their characters are no different. I feel that if you get involved in an activity or club (I am in band), it is easy to make friends quickly. Benet has a reputation of being a place for rich brats, but I couldn't disagree with this stereotype more. I can vouch for the characters of my classmates as being humble, engaged in learning, hardworking, and willing to help. It is an awesome community and the teachers are so amazingly helpful and committed to their students. I could not see myself at any other high school. I highly suggest that you do not base your decision on the reputation of Benet Academy, but go and explore the school for yourself. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. Oh, one tip for Freshman - Get involved! It's a great way to meet people and is definitely worth the effort!
--Submitted by a student

It's a shame that a parent has noted that Benet is a place where "arrogance blossoms." My son is a Benet graduate ('05) and a Harvard graduate ('09). He is currently an algorithmic trader but he is most proud of volunteering as a math tutor at a poorly performing public high school. (As parents, we need to be cautious about what colors our perceptions and judgement lest we pass them on to our children and undermine the value of our faith.)
--Submitted by a parent

I am a recent Benet grad and could not speak more highly of the school. I came into the school not knowing anyone, but quickly involved myself in extracurriculars and had a solid group of friends before school even started. It was a great feeling to be constantly greeted in the hallways by teammates and fellow musicians on my first day. Benet has an amazing family atmosphere. It saddens me to read the negative comments about Benet on this website. However, I would like to point out that not a single student has said anything negative about Benet. Benet had a profound impact on my life. I found my closest friends in the hallways, inspiring teachers in the classrooms and love within our Benet family. My hope is for my children to also go to Benet, because you can't understand or appreciate the magic that happens there until you have experienced it yourself. If you are a parent researching high schools, I highly recommend Benet. It was the best decision I ever made. IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A REDWING!
--Submitted by a student

Benet is a place where arrogance blossoms. All one need do is observe in the parking lot at pickup and dropoff. Not only are the kids arrogant, the parents are arrogant, and even the person who answers the phone is arrogant. It's pervasive. Benet is similarly positioned to Naperville Schools academically, where there are both haves and have nots. Perusing the list of colleges the latest graduating class would be attending, there wasn't one Harvard, one Yale or one Princeton. So what gives rise to the arrogance at this school is a mystery.
--Submitted by a parent